Cora Jean Razore

Cora Razore, age 95, passed away on September 3, 2026.

Cora Razore was born early in the morning on June 23, 1931, in Mandan, North Dakota, to Frank and Catherine “Katie” (Brown) Kuhn. Katie’s family name was originally spelled Braun while they lived in Odessa, Russia (now Ukraine), and was changed to Brown after the family moved to the United States. Her twin sister, Rita Doll, was born late at night on June 22, 1931. Her mother made their dresses out of flour sacks.

After graduating from high school, Cora moved to Bellingham, Washington, to live with her uncle Frankie and worked at several jobs, including J.C. Penney and St. Joseph’s Hospital. She built her life around family, faith, and community.

She met her husband, Joseph “Joe” W. Razore, on a blind date. They married on February 11, 1956, at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham, Washington, and honeymooned in Reno. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage before Joe’s passing in 2008 on their wedding anniversary. They raised three children and spent many years working side by side in the family’s various endeavors.

Joe owned part of Sanitary Service Co. and had been selling Christmas trees since he was 12 years old. Together, Joe and Cora owned Telegraph Farm, where they also raised racehorses. In the 1990s, they established Joe and Cora’s U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm on Telegraph Road, a lasting part of their family legacy. Cora made fresh wreaths and helped sell Christmas trees.

Cora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, the love and care she gave to her family, and the many years she and Joe spent creating a home filled with family and cherished memories.

Cora is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Razore; her brothers, Delbert and David Kuhn; and her sister, Rita Doll.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Stacy) Razore, Kathleen Razore, and Joseph “Joe” M. (Sheryl) Razore; grandchildren, Christopher “Chris” Smith, Ryan Smith, Melissa “Missy” Razore, Ann Marie “Annie” Smith, Angela Razore, and Antoinette “Toni” Razore; sister, Angie Ells; and many extended family members and friends.

A Vigil will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at Westford Funeral Home in Bellingham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 25, at Church of the Assumption, with a reception following in the church gymnasium.

Cora will be laid to rest beside Joe at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham.